Ryan Garcia is one of the most divisive figures in boxing today. The former WBC lightweight champion was recently included among the 4 Kings of modern boxing. Many think that Garcia should not be on that list; however, true to form, “KingRy” assured that he is the only one who deserves to be there.
Four names dominated boxing in the 1980s: Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Roberto Duran, and Marvin Hagler. Back then, the press named them the 4 Kings of boxing. Today, there are four fighters whose fame and talent equal those legends: Garcia, Gervonta Davis, Ryan Haney, and Teofimo Lopez.
DAZN host Ade Oladipo compiled the modern list, but even he considers the comparison too forced. The problem, Oladipo said, is the lack of activity of boxers today. While the original 4 Kings fought two or three times a year, modern fighters take breaks sometimes for more than a year.
As expected, Garcia disagreed with the analyst’s opinion, claiming he was the only one who met the requirement.
Garcia fights more than once a year
Oladipo gave his list on the podcast “The Ariel x Ade Show” and in an Instagram post. It was on the latter where Ryan Garcia recalled that he fights more than once a year. “I have fought two already! So I’m trying to do my part!!! Can’t deny that,” the fighter protested.
Garcia has fought at least twice in the last three years. In 2022 he faced Emmanuel Tagoe and Javier Fortuna, in 2023 he fought Gervonta Davis and Oscar Duarte, in 2024 he already fought Devin Haney, and has an exhibition fight scheduled for December 30 against Rukiya Anpo amid García’s doping suspension.
Likewise, reporters and analysts have highlighted that Garcia is the only one who has faced two other fighters on Oladipo’s list, losing to Davis and beating Haney. Rumors point to him facing Lopez in 2025 when he returns from his suspension.
What about the other three “kings”?
Oladipo’s list has generated great controversy, with reporters and analysts disputing the inclusion of one or the other. Haney has two convincing losses that undermine his credibility, while Davis and Lopezhave only fought four times each in the last three years.
Still, Oladipo stands by his opinion, but on the condition that the four of them get into the ring more often, including fights between themselves, to give fans fights that can rival those of the original 4 Kings.
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